A Grimm Life

Part of the Team

Around a month has passed and I convinced Adam to merge the White Fang, or rather Vale's branch of the White Fang, with Cinder and Roman. My lessons with Neo have continued and according to the ice cream fanatic, I'll probably master it in another three or four months. Hey, sign language was difficult, okay? 

Most of the White Fang was hiding down in the Underground in Mt Glenn. Since Adam was wanted, he couldn't move around without being noticed and recognised, meaning I would often have to report to Adam what Cinder had planned. I still couldn't believe it. Cinder was actually here! With me! And she was so different. She wasn't shy or quiet. Instead, when I look at her, there's an aura of dominance emanating from her. It was strange, but I liked it. 

Right now, I was scrolling through the news on TV, trying to find out if there was anything important to know. Recently, the White Fang was discovered transporting Dust by a familiar face. I didn't dare tell Adam, knowing how he would act. 

Out of nowhere, a pair of small arms wrap around my neck from behind and a head nuzzles against mine. I chuckle lightly as I recognise Neo's cheerfulness. 

Neo: "Hi!"

Mutasim: "Easy with the death grip."

We share a small laugh before Neo pulls away. She sits beside me and watches the news. Right now, a reporter was talking about the attack on the warehouses, how the White Fang transported large amounts of Dust. At this point, they were just theorising what our purpose was for doing such a large operation. 

Before we can watch anymore, I hear Cinder call my name. I turn my head to the left and see her standing in the doorway of her office that was just upstairs. 

Cinder: Can you come up here for a minute?

I nod and leap up to the balcony. Cinder heads into her office and I follow after her. Once inside, I close the door behind me and sit opposite Cinder. The office was complete with a desk, a bunch of other cupboards and a computer. 

Cinder: How are you feeling? 

I give her a thumbs up, making her smile softly. 

Cinder: I'm glad. It's just... We've not gotten a chance to talk properly ever since... You know. So how've... How've the years been? And you can sign, don't worry. I understand most of it. 

Nodding, I answer her question. 

Mutasim: "The past few years have been a mix. I had another friend after I got adopted but then I got sent to work in the SDC mines as I'm sure Adam told you already. When we got out, I lived in Menagerie with the Belladonna family. Things have been okay since then."

Cinder: I can't imagine what it was like for you. I'm sorry. 

I shake my head, smiling to let her know it's fine. But considering Cinder hasn't said much about her own past, I decide to ask her. 

Mutasim: "What about you? What happened after you got adopted?"

Cinder's expression falls slightly before speaking. 

Cinder: Well... You... remember that kids story you always used to read me? Cinderella? My life was basically like that. I was a slave to my step sisters and step mother. Except instead of cleaning a mansion, it was a fancy hotel in Mantle. 

Mantle? Wait. We were that close to each other?! I thought she would've been somewhere else entirely like Vale or Vacuo or something! 

Cinder: Then... I saw a Huntsman. People gathered around him and looked up to him as a hero. I... Saw his weapons and... I had a cruel idea in mind. When the man was asleep, I crept into his room, stole his swords and brought them to the basement where I slept. I... planned on killing my step family. They starved me, put a shock collar around my neck and hurt me every chance they could get. 

Her fists clench on the table as she recollects the haunting past. I grab onto her hand and hold it gently, squeezing. Her anger washes away as soon as she feels my touch and nods thanks. 

Cinder: But the Huntsman offered an alternative. Once I was of age, I could leave the hotel and try to enlist to become a Huntress. He trained me every chance he could get. He unlocked my aura and taught me everything I knew about close-quarters combat. I still wonder what my life would've been... If I didn't kill my step family before I could leave. I... It was just too much. I couldn't take it anymore. And then... The man who taught me how to fight found me... And he fought me. I... killed him. And then I left, alone. 

Her gaze slowly lifts up to meet my eye. 

Cinder: I promised I'd find you, no matter where you were. And look at how things turned out. 

I smile reassuringly and nod in agreement. 

Mutasim: "But, after you left, what happened after that? How'd you end up doing all this in Vale?"

Cinder: That's... A different story entirely. All you need to know right now is that I want to be the most powerful person alive. To protect both of us. And to do that, there's something under Beacon Academy that I need. 

I nod slowly. 

Mutasim: "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask me."

Cinder: Thank you, Mutasim. And as a matter of fact, there is something I'd like for you to do in the upcoming days. As you know already, I plan on entering the Vytal Festival along with Mercury and Emerald under the guise of Haven students. I've been quietly debating who should be the fourth member and I wanted to ask you what you think. 

I shrug my shoulders before continuing. 

Mutasim: "I'm fine with whatever you decide. I'm not bothered about whether or not I tag along."

Cinder: Very well. I'll put some more thought into it before I decide. Just know that I value you. Not just as part of the team, but as my friend. Okay? 

She caresses my cheek, making me smile a little. I nod and stand up. 

Cinder: We'll talk more later. Okay?

I nod once more and leave Cinder's office. Though I still wondered what happened after Cinder left that hotel...

What gave her the motivation to attack Beacon Academy of all places?